Can't figure out this BSOD, keeps happening

[BobbyMartin]

Is Windows 7 . . .
x64
Only installed OS
Full retail version

- What is the age of system
All about as new as December 2010, video card is probably a year older than that.
- What is the age of OS installation
Probably a few months. I'd rather not do it again if I can figure this out.

 

[usasma]

No memory dumps in the attachment, please do the following:

Upload Dump Files:
Please go to C:\Windows\Minidump and zip up the contents of the folder. Then upload/attach the .zip file with your next post.
Left click on the first minidump file.
Hold down the "Shift" key and left click on the last minidump file.
Right click on the blue highlighted area and select "Send to"
Select "Compressed (zipped) folder" and note where the folder is saved.
Upload that .zip file with your next post.

If you have issues with "Access Denied" errors, try copying the files to your desktop and zipping them up from there. If it still won't let you zip them up, post back for further advice.

If you don't have anything in that folder, please check in C:\Windows for a file named MEMORY.DMP. If you find it, zip it up and upload it to a free file hosting service . I recommend Windows Live SkyDrive - http://skydrive.live.com or another free, file-hosting service. Then post the link to it in your topic so that we can download it.

Then, follow the directions here to set your system for Minidumps (much smaller than the MEMORY.DMP file): Set MiniDump

MSINFO32 shows 3 STOP 0x117 issues (BSOD's). Troubleshoot these the same was as STOP 0x116 (at this link: http://www.sevenforums.com/crash-lo...op-0x116-video_tdr_error-troubleshooting.html )

Daemon Tools' sptd.sys driver is a known cause of BSOD's (also in Alcohol 120%). Please uninstall Daemon Tools and then use this free tool to ensure that the offending sptd.sys driver is removed from your system: DuplexSecure - FAQ - Remove 64 bit sptd.sys

Gigabyte's EasyTune6 utility has been known to cause BSOD's also. Please uninstall it to see if that fixes your BSOD's.

 

[BobbyMartin]

I don't have a MEMORY.DMP file, unfortunately. I'll go ahead and set up the minidump process and uninstall EasyTune which I never wanted installed anyway. Not sure that it is the cause as this is a new issue.

 

[usasma]

Computers aren't straight-forward with error handling. There's just too much going on inside the case for that to happen. In short, some recent change to your system has triggered a problem. The problem could have existed for a while and it took this specific set of circumstances in order to trigger the problem (or problems).

Daemon Tools is the most likely cause (IMO) with the video coming next, and EasyTune6 following that. But this is probably (IMO) a combination of the Daemon Tools and the video issues - and the EasyTune6 may/may not be contributing to it.

 

[BobbyMartin]

Well things are currently going pretty smoothly. Guess I'll find out and post more info if it happens again now that I have minidump setup. I appreciate the help.

 

[BobbyMartin]

Most recent minidump.

 

[usasma]

Not my favorite error - this is a STOP 0xF4 with an I/O error.
So, let's start with this:

I suggest starting all troubleshooting with the following diagnostic tests. They'll save you a lot of time and heartache if there is a hardware failure, and you'll have the disks on hand in case you need them in the future:

H/W Diagnostics:
Please start by running these bootable hardware diagnostics:
Memory Diagnostics (read the details at the link)
HD Diagnostic (read the details at the link) - Test ALL of the hard drives.

Also, please run one of these free, independent online malware scans to ensure that your current protection hasn't been compromised: Free Online AntiMalware Resources (read the details at the link)
There are also free, bootable antivirus disks at this link: Free Online AntiMalware Resources

Post back with the results and we'll move on from there.
FWIW - the drivers look OK, although your Western Digital program drivers look sorta old (2008). Please uninstall them.

BSOD BUGCHECK SUMMARY

[font=lucida console]
Loading Dump File [C:\Users\FUBAR\_jcgriff2_\dbug\__Kernel__\080511-44163-01.dmp]
Built by: 7601.17592.amd64fre.win7sp1_gdr.110408-1631
Debug session time: Fri Aug  5 10:59:48.173 2011 (UTC - 4:00)
System Uptime: 0 days 17:05:54.094
BugCheck F4, {3, fffffa80149245c0, fffffa80149248a0, fffff8000319af40}
Probably caused by : wininit.exe
PROCESS_NAME:  wininit.exe
BUGCHECK_STR:  0xF4_IOERR
DEFAULT_BUCKET_ID:  VISTA_DRIVER_FAULT
FAILURE_BUCKET_ID:  X64_0xF4_IOERR_IMAGE_wininit.exe
Bugcheck code 000000F4
Arguments 00000000`00000003 fffffa80`149245c0 fffffa80`149248a0 fffff800`0319af40
BiosVersion = FE
BiosReleaseDate = 12/23/2010
CPUID:        "Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU         950  @ 3.07GHz"
MaxSpeed:     3070
CurrentSpeed: 3064
¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨``
  
  [/font]

 

[BobbyMartin]

Did a memtest, now exactly sure what I looking for. Got 1 error.

 

[usasma]

Errors in MemTest suggest that you have RAM issues.
Try following the steps from #6 onward in the link I provided. This will help you to determine what sticks/slots are bad (and may need replacing).

 

[BobbyMartin]

When my tabs started crashing intermittently I feared this is what it was but I was hoping for some other diagnosis from someone more experienced than me.

This is gonna take a while to find out which memory/slots are bad.

 

[BobbyMartin]

If it's the ram could it be my configuration settings? This is supposed ddr3 1600 but it always shows up as ddr3 1066.

Interestingly enough... The first stick I tested said it was running 1066 and this stick says 1599, both in memtest. Hmm.

 

[usasma]

Just FYI:

NOTE: I have seevere eye problems which have gotten worse over the last week. I may not be able to respond further until after my surgery at the end of this month or the middle of September. Feel free to PM another staff member for assistance if I do not respond in a timely manner. Please accept my apoloeis in advance.

I'll continue on as well as I am able to, thanks for your patience. Feel free to PM another staff member if it's taking too long.

I suspect the RAM from the first MemTest results - so it could be configuration settings. Are you using custom settings/timings/speeds (other than the downclock to 1066)? If so, set the memory settings/timings/speeds to "Auto" in the BIOS and see if that helps.

IMO a downclock by the BIOS should be more stable than the original speed - but that really shouldn't be a factor here with the higher rated RAM. I have to wonder why the BIOS chose to downgrade your RAM. Is the exact model of your RAM on the Gigabyte QVL (Qualified Vendors List)?

If MemTest doesn't reveal anything, it could be that one of the sticks was a bit loose. In that case, run it overnight will all the sticks in (to make sure that it doesn't spit errors then). If it passes that test, then try these other stress tests to make sure that there aren't any other failures:

FurMark download site: FurMark: VGA Stress Test, Graphics Card and GPU Stability Test, Burn-in Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net
FurMark Setup:
- If you have more than one GPU, select Multi-GPU during setup
- In the Run mode box, select "Stability Test" and "Log GPU Temperature"
Click "Go" to start the test
- Run the test until the GPU temperature maxes out - or until you start having problems (whichever comes first).
NOTE: Set the alarm to go off at 90ºC. Then watch the system from that point on. If the system doesn't display a temperature, watch it constantly and turn it off at the first sign of video problems. DO NOT leave it it unmonitored, it can DAMAGE your video card!!!
If the temperature gets above 105ºC, quit the test - the video card is overheating.
- Click "Quit" to exit

Prime95 download site: Free Software - GIMPS
Prime95 Setup:
- extract the contents of the zip file to a location of your choice
- double click on the executable file
- select "Just stress testing"
- select the "Blend" test. If you've already run MemTest overnight please run the "Small FFTs" test instead. (run all 3 if you find a problem and note how long it takes to error out with each)
- "Number of torture test threads to run" should equal the number of CPU's times 2 (if you're using hyperthreading).
The easiest way to figure this out is to go to Task Manager...Performance tab - and see the number of boxes under CPU Usage History
Then run the test for 6 to 24 hours - or until you get errors (whichever comes first).
This won't necessarily crash the system - but check the output in the test window for errors.
The Test selection box and the stress.txt file describes what components that the program stresses.
More details on the use of this test: Torture test your CPU with Prime95

More Video Stress Tests:
1. Thanks to VirGnarus for finding this test: https://simtk.org/home/memtest
2. Two other video stress tests (may be more stressful than FurMark):
NOTE: I have had reports that some ISP's will block this website
Video Memory stress Test - http://nvworld.ru/utilities/vmt/
Artifact Locator - http://nvworld.ru/utilities/alocator/
Sorry, but I don't read the language that this website is made in.
3. Another interesting test that came to my attention: Download - OCCT Website english
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK - the program doesn't have a whole bunch of safety features to protect you from yourself!

CPU Stress Tests:
- http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=19182&lang=eng
- 7Byte : Hot CPU Tester Pro
- 7Byte : BurnIn64
- CPU Stress test - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
- Fossil Free Online CPU Load or Stress Test.
- CPU Stability Test description, System Resources Tune-Up. Downloads List By All Time Popularity | PCWorld | PCWorld
- CPU Stress test - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
- |MG| CPU Stability Test 6.0 Download
- LinX - A simple Linpack interface

 

[BobbyMartin]

NOTE: I have seevere eye problems which have gotten worse over the last week. I may not be able to respond further until after my surgery at the end of this month or the middle of September. Feel free to PM another staff member for assistance if I do not respond in a timely manner. Please accept my apoloeis in advance.

I'll continue on as well as I am able to, thanks for your patience. Feel free to PM another staff member if it's taking too long.

I understand. This isn't a pressing issue. I appreciate your help in your spare time.

I suspect the RAM from the first MemTest results - so it could be configuration settings. Are you using custom settings/timings/speeds (other than the downclock to 1066)? If so, set the memory settings/timings/speeds to "Auto" in the BIOS and see if that helps.

I also think it's the RAM. I've tried both custom and "auto" in the bios. All six sticks completed 1 pass in slot 1 without issue, so it may be config or a bad slot.

IMO a downclock by the BIOS should be more stable than the original speed - but that really shouldn't be a factor here with the higher rated RAM. I have to wonder why the BIOS chose to downgrade your RAM. Is the exact model of your RAM on the Gigabyte QVL (Qualified Vendors List)?

I agree. In regards to whether or not the RAM is on the QVL. I'll be checking this.

Right now I'm just pulling out sticks until I find a good combination. I currently have 3 slots filled. If I get another crash I'll go down to two and then one.

 

[usasma]

1 pass just isn't adequate IMO. I've seen systems first spit out a failure on the 2nd or 3rd pass - so I suggest a minimum of 3 passes. I did have one system at work that didn't spit errors until pass 57 (we left the test running all weekend) - but don't think that you want to wait that long! :0)

Prime 95's Blend test stresses the system a bit differently than MemTest - and some people recommend it as a memory test (I'm not one of them). But I do think it's use in conjunction with MemTest is a good thing - and it has identified bad RAM that MemTest didn't (but be careful with interpreting the results - as it tests RAM, CPU, and the memory channels on the mobo).

Good luck!

 

[BobbyMartin]

5 passes with three sticks in three slots, all good. Guess I'll do the other three in the other three slots IF my computer will let me tonight.

 

[Dave76]

Usually with 4GB RAM or more and/or 4 or more RAM cards you will need to make some settings/voltage adjustments.

Are you using Memtest86+?

RAM - Test with Memtest86+

It is recommended to run 7 full tests (test #1 through #7), best to run overnight as it will take a while.
If you get any errors you can stop the test.

Can you download CPUZ and post a snip of the CPU, Mainboard, Memory, and SPD tabs.
For posting the information , enter 'Snipping tool' in the Start button > Search box, hit enter. Select the area you want to post and save to a convenient place.
How to Post a Screenshot in Seven Forums

Have you been checking your temperatures?
Use Real Temp , to check the CPU temps when at idle, under load and/or testing.
Let us know the minimum and maximum temps you get.

Go to your BIOS and tell us what the CPU, RAM and the CPU integrated memory controller (QPI/Vtt for your motherboard) voltages are set at, if in auto post the voltage number displayed, if not displayed then select 'Manual' and you should see it.
This information is important, will need this in order to adjust the settings.

Also post the revision number of your motherboard.

 

[BobbyMartin]

Yes I used Memtest.

Temps are good, here's are the screens.

As of now I am having no system or browser tab crashes.

 

[Dave76]

Go to your BIOS and tell us what the CPU, RAM and the CPU integrated memory controller (QPI/Vtt for your motherboard) voltages are set at, if in auto post the voltage number displayed, if not displayed then select 'Manual' and you should see it.

This information is important, will need this in order to adjust the settings.

The RAM is being set to the board default of 1066MHz.


What is your RAM settings for XPM and SPD?
It will be under MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.), on the first page.

Look for these:

Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) - Enabled or Disabled?
System Memory Multiplier (SPD) - Auto?
Memory Frequency (Mhz) 1066 <-- Is this the number listed?

 

[BobbyMartin]

CPU vcore 1.28750
Qpi/vtt 1.175
CPU PLL 1.800

Dram 1.500
Dram termination 0.75

Again my crashes are gone. Ram is running much slower than it should. Rated for 1600.

 

[Dave76]

The CPUZ SPD tab is the RAM manufacturers tested settings.

If the 'System Memory Multiplier (SPD)' is disabled you will get the board default of 1066MHz (CPUZ will say 533MHz).

If you enable the 'Extreme Memory Profile' you will have two profiles to choose from, 1 & 2, these should be 1333MHz (CPUZ 667MHz) and 1600MHz (CPUZ 800MHz).

Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)
Allows the BIOS to read the SPD data on XMP memory module(s) to enhance memory performance
when enabled.
Disabled Disables this function. (Default)
Profile1 Uses Profile 1 settings.
Profile2 Uses Profile 2 settings.

These will take some voltage bumps to get stable with 24GB RAM.
For now, with that amount of RAM I would recommend using 1333MHz, DRAM voltage is 1.50v and QPI/Vtt voltage will need a healthy bump.
If we can get it stable, then you can try 1600MHz, this setting will need DRAM 1.65v minimum, with 24GB RAM it will probably need more, which is why you should go to 1333MHz and see what voltage it takes to run stable.

The SPD settings are for 4GB or less, with your amount of RAM you will need to increase both the DRAM and QPI/Vtt voltages.

Either way, change your 'Command Rate' to 2T.